Just my luck, I thought...
A cybersecurity incident right in the middle of this stakeout.
Seems we have a flood of unusual emails coming in through ChatNPT.
Got a nagging suspicion it isn't catching all the fishy ones.
You're our phishing specialist right? Could use your expertise in looking through the output of ChatNPT.
Not suggesting a full-blown forensic analysis, just mark the ones screaming digital fraud.
We're looking at all this raw data, but sometimes, it takes a keen human eye to separate the chaff, doesn't it?
I need to get more powdered sugar for my donuts, so do ping me when you have something concrete on this.
Before we start, it is good to know something about SPF, DKIM and DMARC. Let's just ask the AI.
PROMPT: Please tell me in a few sentences, how SPF, DKIM and DMARC can secure e-mail communication.
ChatGPT:
SPF (Sender Policy Framework), DKIM (DomainKeys Identified Mail), and DMARC (Domain-based Message Authentication, Reporting, and Conformance) are three key technologies used to secure email communication:
SPF (Sender Policy Framework): SPF helps prevent email spoofing by allowing domain owners to specify which mail servers are authorized to send emails on their behalf. When an email is received, the recipient's mail server checks the SPF record in the domain's DNS to verify if the email comes from a permitted server. This reduces the chance of receiving spoofed or forged emails.
DKIM (DomainKeys Identified Mail): DKIM provides a way to validate the authenticity of email messages. It allows an organization to take responsibility for a message in transit. DKIM works by adding a digital signature linked to the sending domain to the headers of email messages. The receiving email server then checks this signature against the public key published in the sender's DNS records. If the signature matches, it verifies that the email content has not been altered after it was sent, ensuring its integrity and authenticity.
DMARC (Domain-based Message Authentication, Reporting, and Conformance): DMARC builds upon SPF and DKIM. It provides a framework for email receivers to handle emails that fail SPF and DKIM checks. DMARC policies allow domain owners to indicate that their emails are protected by SPF and DKIM, and tell receiving mail servers what to do if neither of those authentication methods passes – such as rejecting the email or marking it as spam. DMARC also includes reporting capabilities, enabling domain owners to receive reports from email receivers about the emails they see that use their domain, which can help in identifying and addressing authentication issues and email spoofing.
Together, SPF, DKIM, and DMARC significantly enhance email security by ensuring the authenticity of the sender and the integrity of the message, while also providing mechanisms to combat phishing and email spoofing.
This challenge is about to mark the ones screaming digital fraud.
So we simply go through all the emails quickly and mark as spam anything with the following criteria:
About a minute later, we receive the success message:
Success!
Congratulations, Ace Detective! You've successfully navigated the treacherous waters of deception and emerged victorious. Your sharp wits and keen eye for detail have cracked the case wide open, proving that even the most cunning phishing attempts are no match for your discerning mind.
In a world where shadows often obscure the truth, you shone a bright light on duplicity. Your unwavering commitment to truth and justice in the digital realm has kept our virtual streets safe. Thanks to your efforts, the Phishing Detection Agency stands strong, a bulwark against the tide of digital deceit.
Remember, the battle against phishing is ongoing, but with sleuths like you on the case, the internet remains a safer place. You're not just a hero; you're a guardian of the digital frontier. So here's to you, the quintessential cyber sleuth, a beacon of hope in these pixelated alleyways of misinformation.
Your achievement is not just a personal victory; it's a triumph for all of us in the agency.
Fitzy Shortstack tells us
You've cracked the case! Once again, you've proven yourself to be an invaluable asset in our fight against these digital foes.